10 Best Budget Over-Ear Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Beats Studio Pro headphones offer a solid package for anyone looking for wireless over-ear headphones with good sound quality and strong features. They deliver rich, immersive sound thanks to Beats’ custom acoustic platform and support lossless audio over USB-C, which is great if you want clearer music. The personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking adds a nice touch, creating a more engaging listening experience. Comfort-wise, the over-ear design with faux leather cushions should be comfortable for extended use, though the weight of about 260 grams is moderate—not the lightest but not too heavy either. Noise isolation is handled well with fully adaptive Active Noise Cancelling and a Transparency mode, letting you choose between blocking outside noise or hearing your surroundings.

Battery life is impressive at up to 40 hours on a single charge, with a quick 10-minute charge giving you an extra 4 hours—convenient for long trips or heavy usage. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.3, providing a strong range and fewer dropouts, plus easy pairing with both Apple and Android devices. On-device controls and voice assistant support (Siri) add user-friendly options for managing calls and music without reaching for your phone. The build quality feels sturdy and foldable, making them easy to carry in the included woven case.

One downside is that these headphones aren’t water-resistant, so they might not be ideal for heavy workouts or rainy conditions. Also, while they do a good job at noise isolation, some may find the sound profiles a bit tuned toward bass-heavy or signature Beats sound, which might not satisfy purists looking for a completely neutral tone. These headphones suit casual listeners and those who want a mix of style, strong battery life, and advanced features at a mid-range price.

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones stand out in the budget over-ear category by offering impressive noise cancellation that combines active technology with passive design, helping you block out distractions effectively. The plush ear cushions and padded headband make them comfortable for extended listening, which is a big plus if you wear headphones for long periods. Sound quality is clear and balanced, with adjustable EQ settings allowing you to customize bass, mids, and treble to your liking. Battery life is solid, delivering up to 24 hours on a single charge, and a quick 15-minute charge adds a couple more hours, so you won't be interrupted during your day. Connectivity is smooth with Bluetooth 5.1 and multipoint support, letting you switch easily between devices like your phone and laptop without fuss. You also get the flexibility of wired use if your battery runs out. The headphones come with a protective case for easy transport and the Bose app keeps your firmware updated and lets you fine-tune settings.

On the downside, while well-built with a nice blend of leather and plastic, these headphones may feel a bit bulky for some users, and the sound, though high-quality, may not satisfy those looking for very powerful bass. Also, they use a rechargeable battery rather than replaceable ones, which might affect long-term use. These headphones are an excellent choice for users seeking reliable noise cancellation, comfort, and long battery life at an affordable price.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 stands out in the budget over-ear headphone category primarily because of its excellent noise cancellation, making it a great choice for anyone needing to block out distractions during travel, work, or busy environments. Thanks to its advanced HD Noise Canceling Processor and 12 microphones, it provides clear sound without outside noise interruptions. The sound quality is impressive for this price range, offering rich, balanced audio that stays true to original recordings—ideal for music lovers who care about clarity.

Comfort is thoughtfully handled with a soft, pressure-free headband and cushioned ear cups designed for long listening sessions, which is important if you plan to wear them all day. The build quality feels sturdy with metal parts and a foldable design that fits into a compact carrying case, which helps with portability. Battery life is strong, delivering up to 30 hours per charge, and quick charging means just 3 minutes of power can give you about 3 hours of playback. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures reliable wireless connectivity with most devices within about 10 meters, and it also supports connection via a cable if needed.

Additional features like an adaptive noise cancellation optimizer and auto ambient sound mode adjust audio settings based on your environment, which adds convenience and a more natural listening experience. The headphones also support high-resolution audio for better sound quality if you have compatible sources. On the downside, the WH-1000XM6 is not water-resistant, so it's less suitable for workouts or use in rainy conditions. While highly capable, these headphones are often priced higher than typical budget models, so it might be a stretch for strictly budget-focused buyers. The touch controls can be sensitive and take some getting used to. These headphones provide premium noise canceling, excellent sound, and comfort typically found in much more expensive models, making them a smart pick for users seeking quality wireless over-ear headphones with great features, as long as water resistance isn’t a priority and the price fits your budget.